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Afghan refugees begin arriving at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin

Posted at 9:01 AM, Aug 23, 2021
and last updated 2021-08-23 20:07:36-04

FORT MCCOY, Wis. -- More than 6,000 miles later, Afghanistan refugees have arrived at Fort McCoy.

The base will be their home away from home until they find new homes.

A representative with Task Force McCoy tells us two planes of Afghan refugees left the war-torn country and made their way to Wisconsin for a chance at a new life on Sunday.

White House officials say Afghans undergo extensive health and medical screening once they arrive in the United States.

About 1,000 service members from multiple units of the U.S. Army and Reserve have come to Fort McCoy to provide support.

The task force at Fort McCoy will provide the housing, medical, logistics, and transportation support.

But a local tribal nation near Fort McCoy is helping provide other necessities needed to brave through a Wisconsin winter.

Ho-Chunk Nation Legislator Public Relations Officer Ryan Greendeer said his people have gone through similar situations and can relate to the Afghans.

"The Ho-Chunk people are no strangers to being removed from the homelands," Greendeer said. "We know that the trauma is going to need a lot of work to recover from and we really just want to help ease that trauma."

So, they are asking for donations of winter clothing, suitcases, and small comfort items to help the refugees get through their first harsh winter.

Greendeer said once you fill out the donation form, representatives with the tribal nation will pick up the items and deliver it to the base.

For the refugees, the trip from Afghanistan to America is only one step in a journey to find their forever home.

According to White House officials, refugees will work with resettlement organizations at Fort McCoy to find the best fit.

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